North Korea allegedly testing rocket engines

WASHINGTON (AP) - A U.S. institute says North Korea has been testing rocket engines in a sign it continues to develop long-range ballistic missiles.

The analysis is based on satellite images taken as recently as late September of the Sohae site, near where the North attempted its latest, failed rocket launch in April. The U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies provided the analysis, prepared for its "38 North" website, to The Associated Press Monday.

The institute said it remains unclear whether the North is preparing a rocket launch but predicted it may embark on new rocket and nuclear tests in the first half of 2013.

North Korean rockets may already have Alaska within range, but it remains doubtful whether the North is truly capable of such an attack.

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